A significant development has emerged in the collegiate athletics landscape, as negotiations between a prominent institution and a major conference have reached an impasse. According to insiders, the university in question has notified its current conference affiliation that it will not be making a switch, despite receiving a verbal offer from the rival conference over the weekend.
Interestingly, another Power Five conference had also expressed interest in the university’s athletic program, although no formal offer was extended. The exit fee for the university to change conferences is substantial, reportedly in the range of $5 million.
The university boasts a rapidly ascending program that has been competing at the FBS level since 2012. After a single season in the WAC, it joined its current conference in 2013. Last year, the team achieved a milestone by winning its first bowl game as an FBS member, capping off an 8-5 season under the guidance of Coach G.J. Kinne.
This season, the team has posted a 2-2 record, including a thrilling 31-28 loss to Arizona State in a nationally televised contest. Up next, they will face off against Troy on Saturday evening.
The rival conference’s initial overtures to the university gained momentum following the decisions by two key institutions to remain within the league last week. This development provided a solid foundation for the conference to build upon moving forward.
Currently, the rival conference has six full-time members, with the university’s potential addition set to bring the total to seven. However, the conference requires a minimum of eight full-time members to meet its requirements. The six existing members include UNLV, Air Force, Nevada, San Jose State, New Mexico, and Wyoming, with Hawai’i participating solely as a football member. Another major conference is also seeking to add a new member, as it currently stands at seven institutions.
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